How to choose the right custom software development partner
Are you done battling the constraints of your off-the-shelf software? Finally ready to kick it to the curb and enjoy the benefits of a fully customized solution?
A well-designed custom software application can save you from the never-ending hassle of a pre-packaged solution that just doesn’t fit your business. It can even improve your market positioning and give you a genuine edge over the competition.
There’s a lot to look forward to - but what’s the first step? In order to achieve a successful outcome from your custom software project, you’ll need to pick the right development partner. And this is no trivial task - according to Statistica, a 2020 study by Evans Data indicated there are currently more than 23 million software developers worldwide (and growing).
Here are some important factors to consider that will help you choose the right custom software development firm for your project:
1. Your Objectives
What problems should your new software solve?
Before beginning a custom software project it’s essential to get clear on your goals and objectives for the software. Where exactly is your old software falling short? Is it difficult to use, creating a bottleneck in your workflow, or unable to accomplish certain tasks? Are you hearing the same complaints over and over from your customers or employees? What would the ideal software be able to do differently? Gaining clarity around the features and functionality you need will ensure you select a development partner who can provide them.
What deliverables will you need?
Once you have clarity on your desired functionality, consider what sort of project deliverables will be necessary. Should your project kick-off with an audit or strategy consultation? Will you need a desktop app, a mobile app, or both? What about ongoing maintenance and support? Having an idea of the project scope and deliverables will help you plan your project well and select a software firm that can meet all of your needs.
What are your budget and timeline?
Knowing the scope of your project will also allow you to determine a realistic budget and timeline. When evaluating your budget, be sure to consider the value of your new software and the time or costs it may save you down the road. In regard to timeline, is there a hard date by which you need the desired functionality or can you get by ok until a high-quality solution can be properly built? A good software firm should be able to give you at least a rough ballpark of how long it will take them to build your application.
2. The Process
How will the project begin?
Each custom software firm will have its own unique process, and it’s important to make sure you select a partner who will be the right fit. Does their process kick off with taking the time to really get to know you and understand your business? Are they readily willing and able to answer all of your questions upfront? What sort of project management methodologies do they use? A top-notch development partner will seek to thoroughly understand your needs and be transparent about their process.
What will happen in the middle?
Find out what will be included and prioritized during the project. Does the firm care about delivering only the best quality work? Will the software code be well written and easy to maintain? Is user experience considered a high priority? Are testing and quality assurance incorporated into the process? How will the process affect the project timeline? A software firm with a highly effective process will be happy to discuss every implementation detail.
What happens at the end?
Also, consider what will happen after your new application is built out and put into production. Will product ownership be transferred to you? Is training available? Are ongoing maintenance and support provided? If so, what will that look like? Be sure to choose a development partner who is able to provide any long-term support you need in order to maximize the value and efficacy of your software.
3. Cultural Fit
Who are they?
A great custom software firm will not only be a service provider but a true partner. They’ll work hand in hand with you on strategy, implementation, and delivery. Inquire about their mission, vision, and values - are they well aligned with your own? What is their communication style? How is their team structured? Are they flexible, dependable, responsive? Will they be a good fit for the long term? Make sure you consider not only what they can do but how they will do it.
Where are they?
If you are open to working with a firm outside your local area, consider any potential effects of the geographical difference. If they are located across the globe, will time zones be an issue? What about broader cultural differences? Are they fluent in your primary language? Will the exchange rate affect the cost of the project? Carefully weigh the drawbacks of any potential language, culture, or time zone incompatibilities against any potential cost savings from outsourcing abroad.
4. Relevant Experience
What are their technical skills?
A vast array of programming languages, platforms, tools, and frameworks exist today - too many for any one person or team to master them all. Which means that each custom software firm must specialize. Which tech stack (set of technologies) will be used to build your software? Is this the best option? If so, why? What level of expertise does the team have? Are they savvy about data security? What else will they need to know? The software firm’s team and the technologies they plan to use should both be a good fit for your project.
Have they worked on similar projects?
Also, consider whether the custom software firm has produced anything comparable before. Can they discuss a similar project? Have they worked with others in the same industry? What is their market positioning? Look for a development partner who specializes in your type of project or industry, or has created similar applications.
Is there any social proof?
See if you can find any outside sources that lend additional credibility. Were you connected through a referral? If so, what sort of experience did they have with the firm? Is the firm able to provide any references or testimonials? Are they listed on any review sites? What have they shared on social media? Is their team active in the local dev community? Checking out additional sources can help ensure that you select a reputable partner.
3. Project Rates
When evaluating the anticipated cost of your project, consider more than just whether the total price tag fits your budget. What is the expected return on your investment (ROI) - in both the short and long term? Also, what is the firm’s pricing model, and how will it affect your project? For example, many software firms bill by the hour but this can decentivize efficiency and lead to escalated project costs.
Partnering with Basecode
At Basecode we partner with you to strategically plan, design, and develop bespoke scalable software that alleviates your pains, provides maximum value, and performs the exact tasks you need done - beautifully. Unlike traditional software firms, our team uses medical diagnostics to accurately diagnose and treat your software maladies. Our high-quality custom solutions don’t simply solve problems, they unlock opportunities.